CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Three Atlantic Coast Conference centers have been named to the 2026 Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List, recognizing the nation's top candidates for college football's premier award honoring the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I football.
The 2026 watch list features 40 centers from across the Football Bowl Subdivision and was assembled by the Rimington Trophy committee in collaboration with Pro Football Focus (PFF), utilizing school nominations and PFF's play-by-play grading data. Additional players may be added during the season based on on-field performance.
The Rimington Trophy, named in honor of two-time consensus All-American Dave Rimington, is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding center. The winner is determined using first- and second-team All-America selections from the Walter Camp Foundation, Sporting News and the Football Writers Association of America.
2026 Rimington Trophy Watch List – ACC Selections
- Matt Craycraft, Gr., C, Duke
- Ryan Carretta, R-Jr., C, Pitt
- Joshua Bates, R-Jr., C, SMU